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SWEET SIXTEEN: Regional Tourney promises exhilaration for H-Town VB
The first three rounds of the postseason have flown by, and just like that, we're onto the Regional Tournament.
With only 16 teams remaining in Class 6A and 5A respectively, there is no room for error. Fortunately for each of the squads remaining, that hasn't been a problem throughout the playoffs, and now it is time to be put to the test.
Houston fan-bases are surely in for a show this weekend, with the fourth and fifth rounds taking place.
Here are the must-see matchups.
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Deer Park Deer vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After rolling past a surging Atascocita team on Monday, Deer Park (35-10; 12-0) has already surpassed their mark from last season, in which they fell in Round No. 3.
The leaders of the Deer, Tatum Busch (Sr. OH) and last year's District 22-6A MVP Cayley Hanson (Mississipi State-commit) have played lights out all postseason, and that is sure to continue as they take the program to new heights.
Erin Goodson (So. L/OH), Cadence Lippe (Sr. S), and Mycah Whittemore (Jr.) are some of the other key pieces on Deer Park's deadly rotation, which should come to play when they face off against Seven Lakes.
Speaking of, the Spartans (28-15; 12-4) stunned district rival Tompkins in the Regional Quarterfinals (3-1), after falling to them three times in the regular season.
Given that fact, it seems that Seven Lakes is capable of overcoming any opponent. As long as their playmakers -- namely Temi Sam-Olibale (Sr. OH), Sameena Burns (Sr. OH/MH), Simone Romriell (Sr. S), and Megan Chapman (So.) -- keep clicking, anything is possible.
We've spoken often about these two programs, and for good reason. This is one game you won't want to miss.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Pearland Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch (35-5; 16-0) has exceeded expectations all season long.
After offensive playmaker Courtney O'Brien moved on to Texas Tech over the offseason, her younger sister Kassidy O'Brien (Kentucky-commit) has efficiently taken over the reins as a leader of the program, as she currently boasts nearly 1,200 assists on the season.
Gabriella Martinez (Jr. OH) has also stepped into the offensive role with ease, tallying over 400 kills thus far, and will surely be a valuable asset moving forward. Furthermore, expect Makenna Loo (Sr. OH), Magdalene Finnegan (Jr. L), and Ariana Willis (Sr. OH/MH) to continue to power the Cougars' loaded roster.
Cinco Ranch has dominated just about every opponent -- most notably in the relentless District 19-6A -- and that has carried over into the playoffs, as they seek to surpass last year's mark which ended at the Regional Final.
The team that currently stands in their way is the Dawson Eagles (38-9; 11-1), who have been on a tear of their own through three rounds.
Dawson is coming off a definitive sweep over Clear Springs, and looks to keep their momentum rolling. With stars such as Addison Moss (Sr. S), Dominique Phills (Sr.), Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH), and Jenna Thedford (So. DS) leading the charge, this could very well be one of the games of the year.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers vs. Montgomery Bears
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
There are few teams that have been quite as dominant as Fulshear (38-4; 14-0) in the Class 5A race in 2023.
The Chargers have been electric all season, and the past couple of weeks have been no different. With District 20-5A MVP Bailey Warren (Wake Forest-commit) at the helm -- complemented by the likes of Lauren Witte (Jr. OH), Sydney Black (Jr. L), and Alexys James (Jr. S) -- Fulshear's explosive offense has been nearly unstoppable.
After cruising past Waltrip (3-0) and Santa Fe (3-0), they were put to the test against Manvel, in which they clinched a trip to the Regional Semis for the second straight year after a five-set bout.
Next up is Montgomery.
After finishing third in their district, the Bears (32-17; 9-7) have defied the odds this postseason in unprecedented fashion, by advancing the furthest the program has ever seen since the school opened in 2007.
Coach Stormi Champion (awesome name) has optimized her talented competitors to their full potential in the playoffs.
Freshman OH Delaney Wright has been outstanding, with over 500 kills to her name to begin her promising high school career. Pair that with the sublime efforts made by senior setter Kaysie Lynch (1,300 assists), Ellie Sadler (Jr. L), and Grace Ellis (Sr. MH), and you have a recipe for success.
The motors are running hot for both squads. Stay tuned.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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PRIME TIME: Area Round matchups could shake up volleyball outlook
Just like that, the Bi-District round has come and gone, and the potential of the ensuing matchups has already intensified.
Given the quality of each of the teams that have advanced, this year's Area Round could prove to be the most pivotal towards how the rest of the postseason plays out.
This week will be tense as several H-Town powerhouses are about to face off. At the same time, fans will inevitably be in for a treat when the players take to the court.
Here are the can't miss clashes of Round No. 2...
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Cypress Ranch Mustangs vs. The Woodlands Highlanders
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Almost a year ago to the day, the Highlanders shocked the Mustangs in last season's Area Round. Given their history, this rematch is highly anticipated for good reason.
Another wrinkle in this story involves the fact that first-year coach, Dr. Collea McKinney, took the reins of the Cy Ranch program just a year after being the assistant coach for The Woodlands. Suffice it to say, these two teams are certainly familiar with each other.
Cypress Ranch (35-5; 14-0) is coming off a three-set sweep over Klein Cain in the postseason opener, which brings their growing win-streak to 18.
Junior OH Taylor Porter (Vanderbilt-commit) has been on fire all season long, and that has carried over into the playoffs, now that she surpassed 500 kills on the year. Taryn Gilreath (Sr. S), Gabrielle Eads (Sr. L), and Zora Bello (So. S) are equally essential to the Mustangs' success, and will be ones to watch for against the Highlanders.
The Woodlands (32-15; 13-3) are thriving at the perfect time. After finishing third in the loaded District 13-6A, TWHS took down Aldine Davis in three sets, and they will look to keep their momentum rolling.
Offense has been a strong suit for the group, as Ella Lewis (Jr. OH) leads the team with over 550 kills. Additionally, junior libero Cameron McDaniel (688 digs), junior setter Payton Stroud (461 assists), and sophomore setter Megan Johnson (453 assists) have each stepped up in the big moments.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Grand Oaks Grizzlies vs. Langham Creek Lobos
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Grand Oaks (44-1; 16-0) is currently the most dominant team in Houston, and that was made perfectly clear in their Bi-District sweep over Nimitz on Monday.
Coach Megan Rogers has an arsenal of weapons at her disposal, which has been utilized to perfection. It all starts with Florida-commit Jaela Auguste (Sr. MB) who has been the war-hammer for Grand Oaks. However, she isn't the only offensive star.
Halle Thompson (So. OH) and Pittsburgh-commit Samara Coleman (Jr. OH) each have over 400 kills thus far, and they round out a deadly offensive trio. Audrey Terry (Sr. S) and Cali Reece (So. DS) have also shown to be essential assets to the flow of Grand Oaks' stellar rotation.
Don't count out Langham Creek (34-11; 11-4) just yet, though.
After finishing third in District 16-6A, the Lobos got another confidence booster by defeating Klein Collins in three sets to advance to the Area Round.
Senior OH Kennedy Jones is looking phenomenal, with over 500 kills and digs to her name, while junior MH Jordan Taylor (403 kills) and senior OH Taylor Williams (331 kills, 597 digs) make up an exceptional offensive trio of their own. Leah Rios (Sr. S) and Carly Dupuis (Sr. DS) have been key pieces as well.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Deer Park Deer vs. Pearland Oilers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Deer Park (33-10; 12-0) made a statement in their 3-0 win against a thriving Humble team -- they are here to play.
Mississippi State-commit Cayley Hanson (Sr. S) and Tatum Busch (Sr. OH) form an impressive duo on offense, with each star having tallied over 300 kills this season. Hanson, in particular, has been all over the court and stat-line, which explains why she's the reigning District MVP.
Also look for Erin Goodson (So. L), Mycah Whittemore (Jr.), and Cadence Lippe (Sr. S), as they will play key roles in their upcoming matchup against the Oilers.
Pearland (34-10; 11-1) defeated Dickinson in four sets to start the postseason off strong, and brings their win-streak to 10 straight.
Coach Jamie Gill will look to her various stars -- Avery Koonson (So. OH/DS), Kimanni Rugley (Jr. MH), Nadia Dunn (Sr. OH), and Mia Ramirez (Sr. L) -- to keep the momentum going against fellow contender Deer Park.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Foster Falcons
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This Fall has already been one to remember for Barbers Hill (39-7; 14-0).
After earning their sixth-straight district championship, the Eagles laid down the law against La Porte (3-0) to begin the postseason.
The reigning District 17-5A Co-MVP, Peyton Fadal (Houston Christian-commit) is looking as stellar as ever. The senior setter has racked up over 1,100 assists on the year which explains how the team's offense is clicking on all cylinders.
Chloe Morgan (Sr. MH), Kynlea Gibbs (Jr. OH), and Mia Rivers (Sr. L) are other weapons that make Barbers Hill one of the top squads around. But they won't be satisfied until they win a state title.
On the other side, Foster (31-10; 12-2) is coming off a second place finish in district, prior to sweeping Madison in the Bi-District round.
Senior MH Jackie Onyechi and Brooke Barnes (Jr. OH) have proven to be an impressive duo behind the net, while Brinleigh Davis (Sr. S) and Eden Fairfield (Sr. DS) have played brilliantly in support.
This face-off could be one of the more pivotal in the Class 5A playoff race.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)